Music This!

Tuesday, November 15, 2005

Bands Who Sold The World

There comes a time when bands become either exhausted musically, or give in to the idea of huge dollars for an album to make music companies rich. Take a look at the history of most big bands these days. Chances are their roots aren't anything like their Top-40-pop-sounds today. While it's true that some bands develop and change over time, there are no excuses from moving from an edgy sound into mainstream.

Record companies only care about making money, which is almost understandable. But it seems as though no-one cares about the music anymore; "Idol" shows churn out one-hit wonders, who disappear completely after their album or second single fails to impress. Record companies sign talentless wannabes (singing is not really a talent, plenty of people can do that), that have no idea about writing or working their way to the top.

Maybe I'm just jealous, I don't know. Either way, I think this problem needs more recognition. So I've put together a list of bands that sold out, as well as some people on my watchlist of potential sell-outs.


Bands who were once ok, but then sold out:
Deftones (Adrenaline forever!)
Korn
Static-X

Green Day
Incubus

Coldplay (X&Y is terrible)

Rage Against The Machine less Zac (Audioslave suck)

People who sold out:
Chris Cornell (Soundgarden was infinitely cool)

Bands who were never cool, but sold out anyway:
Limp Bizkit
Linkin Park

Bands that have been around for awhile, but still on the brink of selling out for their next record:
Foo Fighters (for now, they're still cool)
Weezer

Bands at risk of selling out:
Death Cab for Cutie
The Killers

Bands who never sold out:
Pixies!
Nirvana
Michael Jackson (while technically not a band, he is cool.. but admittedly a little weird)


Despite how I find these people to be sell-outs, I can still appreciate that Peter Gallagher has decided to release an album. Go figure.

Sunday, November 13, 2005

Peter Gallagher - 7 Days in Memphis

Starring as Sanford Cohen in The O.C., as well as several minor movie roles, including Mr Deeds, Peter Gallagher has found a home in acting.

However, in Season 2 of The O.C., Gallagher let loose, and sang Solomon Burke's ballad 'Don't Give Up On Me' for his on-screen wife, Kirsten, for their wedding aniversary. This was just the beginning of things to come. Starring in the original musical production of Grease (long before the movie), Gallagher shows that he hasn't forgotten his musical roots. As his first album, '7 Days in Memphis' has some stunning tracks. In particular, 'Still Got The Blues' is smooth: vocals complemented with crisp brass backing and smouldering bass. The funky 'When You Move, You Lose' is also a great song, with female backing vocals. 'Leave Right Now' reminds me of something by Van Morrison, with driving deep vocals powering the song through with soft piano, and powerful emotion.

While some of the songs seem like badly recorded covers, added simply to fill space, this album has some songs that still make it worthwhile.

Rating:
4/5

Full Track Listing:
1. Still I Long for Your Kiss
2. When Something Is Wrong with My Baby
3. Still Got the Blues
4. Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye
5. Everytime It Rains
6. Don't Give Up on Me
7. I've Got to Love Somebody's Baby
8. When You Move You Lose
9. Leave Right Now
10. Song for You

Buy Online:
Amazon.com
Also available through iTunes Store: Search "Peter Gallagher"

External Link:
Peter Gallagher Music: Official Website
Jam! Showbiz: Peter Gallagher releases his first album

Tuesday, October 25, 2005

10 Years - The Autumn Effect

One of the more interesting purchases I've made in recent months, The Autumn Effect features some listenable songs. One of the most notable tracks on this album is the title track, The Autumn Effect. Clocking in at just over 9minutes 30 seconds, this song has a powerful emotion to it, making it very likable.

The lyrics mark on of the high points of the album

While this album does have a few good songs, it is also well presented, with the sound being polished and professional. Overall, it is a rather bland offering from a band that is clearly capable of more.

Rating: ***

Similar Artists include:
Dark New Day
Edgewater

External Links:
10 Years Official Website
Buy 10 Years - The Autumn Effect from Amazon.com